Salem Animal Shelter Rescues Arkansas Cruelty Case Dogs

SALEM, MA — Ten of the 280 dogs rescued from "deplorable conditions" in Arkansas are now in Salem getting care at the Northeast Animal Shelter.

The shelter sent a van to Tennessee on Monday to pick up the dogs, which arrived back in Salem on Wednesday.

They are from the Humane Society of the Delta in Helena, Arkansas, which state officials shut down last week during a police raid that found dead and emaciated dogs, a huge rat infection and "mountains" of trash. The director of the shelter is facing hundreds of animal cruelty charges.

The Northeast Animal Shelter described the 10 Salem dogs as "scared, skinny, but friendly" pit bulls ranging from 3 to 6 years old.

A coalition of shelters nationwide stepped in to transport and care for the dogs ahead of their hopeful adoptions. the BISSELL Pet Foundation donated funds for logistics support and emergency grants for any required surgeries and heartworm treatments.

"These dogs absolutely needed a safe place to land as soon as they were out of the Arkansas shelter, and I'm grateful to the other humane organizations who assisted with the rescue and relocation efforts," said Mike Keiley, Northeast Animal Shelter and MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs. "The 10 dogs in our care are quite friendly and social despite all they've gone through. But given the trauma they've endured, we'll need 'hero' adopters willing to work patiently with them to help them adapt to their home lives."

Following a 48-hour quarantine in Salem, the dogs will move to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen and MSPCA-Cape Cod in Centerville before becoming eligible for adoption next week.

Those interested in adopting one of the dogs can go here for more information.

Anyone looking to donate to help offset the veterinary care of the Arkansas rescues, and other Northeast Animal Shelter rescue car, can do so here.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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